Zora’s Chocolate Squares

Zora’s Chocolate Squares – a chocolate dessert that is soft, light, and so irresistibly sweet. Made with whipped egg whites, egg yolks, sugar, butter, melted chocolate and topped with crushed walnuts. There is really so much to love about this recipe. It is made with simple ingredients yet makes an incredibly delicious dessert that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy and sluggish but perfectly satisfied. This recipe has been passed down to my mum from our old neighbor in Serbia, from the 90’s, and now down to me to share it with you. It’s an easy recipe, so delicious and worth all the effort. 

About this recipe

You know a recipe works once it starts to pass down from one generation to another. Not only does it work but it’s just so delicious. You make it over and over again. This recipe was made by our old neighbour, Zora, from Serbia. She passed this recipe to my mum, who has made it for years and years. And now that I have it, I am sharing it with you. I am also going to be making it over and over again, because it is that good. 

It’s an incredibly simple recipe, using mostly on-hand ingredients. This recipe reflects how women were able to use up such simple ingredients and work their magic to turn them into a delicious dessert. When you first put this recipe together, you may think that it won’t turn out so delicious or that it will be dry. But once it is out of the oven, slightly cooled, and when you take a bite, you will see what this recipe is about. It is soft not dry at all, light with the perfect amount of sweetness and chocolatey taste. If you are not into overly decadent desserts, then this recipe is for you! Or, if you want to make something on a whim, with little precreation time, then this recipe will suit you as well. 

Making the recipe

What I love about this recipe for Zora’s Chocolate Squares is how simple it is. The main piece of equipment that you need is a hand mixer, or a stand mixer if you have one. And of course, a couple of bowls and a baking tin. So, here is a quick rundown of how this recipe goes: Otherwise, head straight down below for the full recipe. 

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Start by separating the egg whites and egg yolks into two, large separate bowls. Take the bowl with the egg whites and mix on high speed, gradually adding the sugar. Mix until the eggs turn into stiff peaks. Set it aside. 

To the bowl with the egg yolks, add the butter. Set it aside. In a small pot, melt the chocolate and remaining butter. Pour this chocolate mixture into the egg yolk and butter bowl. Mix everything on medium speed until well combined. 

Finally, using a spatula, add the egg whites into the chocolate mixture and fold them until they are combined. You do not want to over-mix here. You should get a smooth batter consistency. The egg whites will deflate a little, that is normal. 

Pour the batter into a large rectangle cake tin (35cmx24cm). Using a knife spread the batter out evenly, making sure all the sides and corners are filled in as well. Spread the chopped walnuts all over the top of the batter. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. 

Ta-daaa, and there you have it! A surprisingly simple cake. I love how light it is. There is nothing heavy or overwhelming about its taste. For me, it’s just the perfect treat for when you want something sweet. 

A few tips for recipe success

Use big bowls – You will need two large bowls. When whisking the egg whites, they grow and expand significantly. As for the egg yolks and butter, once you add the egg whites into them, you will need the space for folding them in. If you use smaller bowls, you may find you lack space for mixing.

Hand mixer or Stand mixer – The only electrical equipment you need here is a mixer. Either a hand mixer or stand mixer will do the job.

Egg whites – Make sure your bowl is super clean. Egg whites can be temperamental. A clean, dry bowl ensures that the egg whites are more likely to mxi into stiff peaks well.

Butter – The butter for this recipe should be at room temperature but not overly soft. Remove the butter from the fridge 15 minutes before baking. Cut the butter into cubes as this will help you combine them into the egg yolks and chocolate mixture much easier. If you live in a hot climate, keep your butter chilled.

Walnuts – You can use ground walnuts or chopped walnuts. I prefer finely chopped walnuts as they give the recipe a nice crunch. Using a coarse knife, chop the walnuts on a chopping board until they are finely chopped, but not grounded.

Baking – This cake bakes best at 180 for 20-25 minutes. The timing will depend on your oven. Do not open the oven in the first 20 minutes of baking.

Looking for more?

If you are looking for more ideas, try one of the recipes below:

Ledene Kocke / Ice Cubes

Sour Cherry & Filo Pastry Pie

Raspberry Jam Loaf with Streusel Topping

I hope that you enjoy this recipe for Zora’s Chocolate Squares. It’s a tried and tested recipe. More importantly, it’s super delicious and could make the perfect brunch cake with tea or a quick bake for a delicious treat. Leave a comment and let me know how this recipe turns out for you. If you get a moment, please leave this recipe a rating. I would love to hear what you think, and if you make this recipe or have any questions, you can find me over on Instagram.